The situation when a loved one Indesit refrigerator suddenly ceases to perform its main function is always takes you by surprise. Products begin to deteriorate, and an unpleasant odor appears on the shelves, which requires immediate intervention from the owner. Most often, the problem lies not in a global breakdown, but in a violation of operating rules or malfunctions of the electronics.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis, since in many cases you can restore the operation of the unit yourself. Indesit is a reliable technique, but even this subject to wear and tear, especially when it comes to models older than 7-10 years. In this article we will look at the main reasons why refrigerator compartment or a freezer may lose cold, and how to fix the problem.
It is important to understand that ignoring the first signs of a malfunction can lead to failure of an expensive compressor. If you notice that the equipment works, but does not freeze, or the engine hums, but does not start, you need to act quickly. The most common cause of loss of cold in older models is a refrigerant leak through a foamed circuit or evaporator.
Primary diagnosis and simple causes
First It is necessary to eliminate trivial operating errors. Often users panic ahead of time without checking the basic settings. Make sure that the unit is plugged in and that the plug is firmly seated in the socket. If the light is on, but there is no cold, check the position of the temperature regulator. Perhaps one of the household members accidentally switched it to “0” or “Min” mode.
The second important point is the location of the equipment. If refrigerator stands close to the wall or in a niche without gaps, air circulation is disrupted. The condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) overheats and does not have time to cool, which is why the compressor goes into protection or works ineffectively. Check if there is a gap of at least 5-7 cm from the back wall to the furniture.
You should also pay attention to the tightness of the doors. If the sealing rubber does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside. In this case, the motor will work non-stop, trying to compensate for heat loss, but the temperature inside the chambers will not decrease. Check the rubber band for cracks, adhering debris or deformation.
To quickly check the tightness, you can use a regular sheet of paper. Squeeze it with the door closed and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed too easily in different places around the perimeter, it means seal requires replacement or adjustment.
Problems with the No Frost system and defrosting
Models Indesit s system No Frost are susceptible to specific malfunctions associated with cyclic defrosting of the evaporator. If the “fur coat” is frozen in the freezer compartment, but it is warm in the refrigerator compartment, the cold drainage channel is most likely clogged. Ice blocks the fan, and cold air simply cannot flow into the upper chamber.
In such cases, the defrost system often fails. It consists of a heating element, a timer (or electronic module) and a defrost sensor. If one of these elements stops working, the ice does not melt, builds up and blocks the operation of the entire system. A characteristic sign is the hum of the fan, which is trying to break through the ice crust.
⚠️ Attention: To defrost No Frost units, a complete shutdown is required for at least 24 hours. The standard 2-3 hours, as for a drip system, is not enough here, since the ice is hidden inside the housing and melts very slowly.
To check the condition of the evaporator, you often have to remove the back panel in the freezer. If you see a huge lump of ice blocking the fan there, this confirms the diagnosis. In some models Indesit there is also a problem with the drainage hole, which freezes and does not allow water to go into the pan.
☑️ Actions in case of freezing
After complete defrosting and collecting water, you must thoroughly wipe all surfaces. If after switching on the equipment worked normally, but a week later the problem recurred, it means that one of the elements of the defrost system (sensor or heating element) is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, creating pressure for the circulation of freon. If motor-compressor it hums, clicks, but does not start, or starts for a couple of seconds and immediately stalls, the problem may be in the start-up relay. This is an inexpensive part that often fails first, protecting the engine from overloads.
In more serious cases, the compressor itself may be faulty. Interturn short circuit of the winding or jamming of the piston group leads to the fact that the equipment is either silent or hums, but does not create the necessary pressure. It is difficult to determine this without a pressure gauge, but if the tubes on the rear grille remain cold or warm (and not hot) when the compressor is running, this is a bad sign.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| Humming and clicks | Faulty starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Works silently | Open circuit or burnt out motor | Electrical diagnostics |
| Hot case, no cold | Compressor jammed | Replacement of the compressor |
| Warm condenser tubes | Freon leak or breakdown | Searching for leaks, charging |
Replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and charging with refrigerant. It is impossible to perform this operation independently without professional equipment. If diagnostics indicate that the motor is dead, it is better to contact a service center.
Is it possible to replace the relay yourself?
Yes, if you have basic skills in working with electrics. The relay fits onto the compressor rod. It is important to buy exactly the same model (the marking is indicated on the body), otherwise the compressor may burn out completely. Before replacing, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the network!
Refrigerant leak and clogged capillary tube
One of the most unpleasant reasons why Indesit refrigerator does not cool is a freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if the seal is broken (for example, corrosion of the tubes or a microcrack in the foamed part), the gas escapes. Without a sufficient amount of freon, heat exchange is impossible.
Signs of a leak: the compressor works constantly, without turning off, but it is warm inside the chambers. The rear grille (condenser) can be partly hot and partly cold, or completely warm. In places of leakage, you can sometimes (but not always) notice oily spots, as freon circulates along with the oil.
Another common problem is clogged capillary tube. An ice or oil blockage or debris may have entered the system. In this case, the compressor works with overload, trying to push freon, but there is no circulation. This is often accompanied by an unnaturally hot condenser at the beginning and a cold one at the end.
⚠️ Attention: Freon is a chemical that requires careful handling. Self-refueling or searching for leaks using an open flame is strictly prohibited due to the risk of ignition (especially in models with R600a gas).
To eliminate a leak or blockage, a technician with a leak detector, a vacuum pump and scales for accurate filling is required. If there is a leak in the foamed part of the case (inside the walls of the refrigerator), repair may not be economically feasible, since it requires opening the case or installing an external evaporator.
Failures in the operation of electronics and sensors
Modern models Indesit equipped with an electronic control module that controls the temperature, fan operation and defrosting cycles. If the control board is “buggy”, it may not send a command to turn on the compressor or fan, even if they are physically working.
Thermal sensors (thermostats) often fail. If the sensor “lies” and shows the module that it is already -20°C in the chamber, although in fact it is +10°C, the compressor simply will not turn on. In mechanical models, this is controlled by a thermostat, which you can replace yourself by selecting an analogue according to the parameters.
In models with a display and system Smart software failures may occur. Try performing a hard reset by unplugging the equipment for 15-20 minutes. This will allow you to reboot the controller and reset errors.
Diagnostics of electronics requires a multimeter and knowledge of electrical circuits. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to experiment with the control board, as its cost can be high.
When professional repairs are needed
Independent repairs are justified in cases of replacing a light bulb, adjusting a door, replacing a thermostat, or completely defrosting. However, there are situations when professional intervention is inevitable. These include all work related to a sealed circuit (freon), replacing the compressor and complex electronic diagnostics.
If you hear a loud knock, grinding noise or smell a burning smell, immediately unplug the device. Further operation may lead to a fire or complete failure of the equipment beyond repair. It is also worth contacting specialists if, after defrosting, the problem returns after a short time.
When calling a technician, be sure to tell the model of your Indesit refrigerator and describe the symptoms: how long it has not frozen, are there any extraneous sounds, does the back wall get hot. This will help the technician take with him the necessary spare parts and tools, which will save time on repairs.
Why does the refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This is a sign that it does not reach the set temperature. Reasons: freon leak, compressor wear, condenser clogged with dust, thermostat malfunction or door seal damage. The unit is working hard, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, if you are waiting for a technician or defrosting it. But it is impossible to keep it on for a long time in the event of a malfunction (especially if the compressor overheats or works non-stop). This will lead to engine burning and expensive repairs.
How much does the repair cost if Indesit stops cooling?
The cost depends on the breakdown. Replacing a thermostat or relay is inexpensive. Freon refilling and leak detection - average price. Replacing the compressor is the most expensive option, often accounting for up to 50-60% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
How to extend the life of an Indesit refrigerator?
Defrost it regularly (once a year), even if there is No Frost (for prevention). Keep the condenser at the back clean. Do not place hot pots inside and do not fill the chambers with food to capacity so that air can circulate.